(1)
Come back…
For the heart of God is throbbing…
in the wilds of Bethlehem…
Come back…
For the Madonna of virgins…
is all alone in Jerusalem…
her secret light bleeding…
Come back…
For Ramallah…
is your deferred wedding…
waiting for the spirit…
Come back…
For in Nablus there is room…
for the joys of young girls in love…
Come back…
For Gaza is evoking the sea…
in search of its buried pearls…
(2)
O, you who are scattered…
on the banks of the dream…
The waves have hit you…
Get immersed…
or come down pouring…
Do not stand in sin…
in the face of the blowing wind…
Do not stand naked…
in the face of the blowing light…
The land is bereaved of children…!
Translated from the Arabic by Nizar Sartawi